The Co-operative Group

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Co-operative Group Limited
Image:Cooperative uniform logo.png
Type Consumer Co-operative
Founded 1863
Headquarters Manchester, England,
United Kingdom
Key people Peter Marks, Chief Executive
Active members ▲4.5 million (2008)[1]
Industry Retail (Grocery), Banking, Insurance, Travel agency, Farming, Motoring, Funeral directors, Pharmacies
Revenue ▲over £9 billion (2008)[2]
Employees 85,000 (2008) across 4,300 stores[2]
Subsidiaries Somerfield
Website The Co-operative Group

The Co-operative Group is a United Kingdom consumers' co-operative, and, after the acquisition of Somerfield supermarkets, is the world's largest consumer-owned business, with over 4.5 million members and 87,000 employees across all its businesses. Regional and local retail societies are corporate members of the Group.

The Co-operative Group is a family of businesses, led by its principles and owned by its members; it is not controlled by shareholders or financial investors solely for the pursuit of profit. Each of the members has an equal right to a say in how the business is run and how its social goals are achieved. The family of businesses comprises: food, travel, banking, insurance, pharmacy, funeral, legal services, investments, online shop, electrical and beds. Membership is open to everyone as long as they share the Group's values and principles. Every year members receive a share of the profits that they helped to create, based on the amount made in profits that year and the how much they had spent with any of its businesses.

Formerly the Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited (CWS), the name was changed to Co-operative Group (CWS) Limited in 2001 following the transfer of engagements of Co-operative Retail Services (CRS) to the CWS in 2000. CWS Retail was formed in 1933 and demerged in 1957 as CRS, with the purpose of opening shops in co-operative deserts and taking over failing retail societies. The Group merged with United Co-operatives, based in Yorkshire and North West England, on 29 July 2007, reinforcing its position as the largest consumer co-operative in the world.[3] The current name was adopted in December 2007.[4]

The Co-operative Group sucessfully completed its takeover of Somerfield on 2 March 2009, costing £1.57bn.

Contents

[edit] History

An older co-op in Burley, Leeds

The Co-operative Group formed gradually over 140 years from the merger of many independent retail societies changing from a purely wholesale operation to a major retailer in its own right.

In 1863, twenty years after the Rochdale Pioneers opened their co-operative, the North of England Co-operative Society was launched by 300 individual co-ops across Yorkshire and Lancashire. By 1872, it had become known as the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS). Through the 20th century, smaller societies merged with CWS, such as the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society (SCWS) in 1973 and the London-based South Suburban Co-operative Society in 1984.

However, by the 1990s the Co-op's share of the grocery market had declined considerably and many came to doubt the viability of the co-operative business model. It sold its factories to Andrew Regan in 1994 and he returned in 1997 with an audacious hostile £1.2 billion bid. There were allegations of "carpet-bagging"—new members who joined simply to make money from the sale—and, more seriously, fraud and commercial leaks. Following the employment of a private detective and a subsequent lengthy criminal court case, Regan's bid was seen off and two senior CWS executives were dismissed and imprisoned for fraud. Regan was cleared of charges.

However, the episode recharged CWS and its membership base and proved to be a catalyst for the rejuvenation which is continuing today. Tony Blair's Co-operative Commission, chaired by John Monks, made major recommendations for the co-operative movement, including the organisation and marketing of the retail societies. It was in this climate that, following many years of aborted discussions, CWS merged with the struggling CRS in 2000.

Its headquarter complex is situated on the north side of Manchester city centre adjacent to the Manchester Victoria railway station. The complex is made up of many different buildings with two notable tower blocks of New Century House and the solar panel-clad CIS Tower, though the society has expressed its intention to move from the site to purpose built accommodation allowing the site to be redeveloped[citation needed].

Other independent societies are part owners of the group. Representatives of the societies that part own the group are elected to the group's national board. The group manages The Co-operative brand and the Co-operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG), which sources and promotes goods for food stores.[5] There is a similar purchasing group (CTTG) for co-operative travel agents.

The Co-operative Group runs Alldays. This store is at Shere, England

At the start of 2007, the Group began discussions with United Co-operatives, the UK's second-largest co-operative, on the possibility of a merger of the two societies.[6] On 16 February 2007, the boards of both societies announced that they were to merge subject to members' approval, and on 28 July 2007 the new society came into being.

At about the same time, the Group transferred the engagements of the small Scottish Nith Valley Co-operative Society which, while trading profitably, was suffering a burden with its pension fund commitments.[7]

In July 2008, the Group announced a deal to purchase the Somerfield chain of 900 supermarkets and convenience stores for a value of at least £1.5 billion.[8][9] The sale is expected to be completed by the end of February 2009.[10] The newly merged business will operate more than 3,000 grocery stores and generate net food sales of around £10 billion, making it the fifth largest food retailer in the UK with a market share of approximately 8%. The purchase was completed on 2 March 2009 Also in 2008, the Group purchased ten convenience stores as going concerns from competitor J Sainsbury, previously trading under the Bells and Jacksons names, in the north and east of England.[11]

In Autumn 2008, Lothian, Borders & Angus Co-operative Society members voted to transfer of engagements to the Co-operative Group. The transfer of engagements came into effect on 13 December 2008.[12]

The Group announced in November 2008 that despite the economic downturn, half year profits had risen by 35.6% to £292.6 million for the six months to June 2008. [13]

In January 2009, the Co-operative Group's Co-operative Financial Services and the Britannia Building Society announced their intention to merge, subject to regulatory, and member approval.

[edit] Brand

In 2007, the Society began a full-scale re-brand of its operations. The well-known four-leaf clover 'Co-op' brand, which was introduced 1967 and adjusted in 1993, along with those of most of its other businesses including Travelcare and Funeralcare, is currently being phased out in favour of a new common branding, The co-operative, which unifies the Society around a single brand designed to be instantly recognisable whilst attempting to persuade the wider public to re-evaluate the Co-op. The Co-operative recently commenced its largest ever advertising campaign to remind people about its ethics and diversity. The unusually long two and a half minute advertisement aired for the first time on the 16th February 2009.

[edit] Businesses

The Group now has 85% of the co-operative retail business in the UK and substantial shares in certain wider markets, including travel, funerals and pharmacies.

[edit] Food retail

Main article: The Co-operative Food
The Co-op in Lawnswood, Leeds

The food retail business is the largest division of the Group. Whilst market share has diminished from the peak in the 1950s when the co-operative sector accounted for around 30% of the grocery market, with around 9% today, the Society is still the fifth-largest food retailer in the UK. It operates over 2,200 food stores of various sizes with the biggest geographical spread of any retailer. The stores are mainly in the convenience and medium sized supermarket sector, although some larger superstores remain in the estate.

Following a root and branch review of the business, the society took the decision not to compete head-on with the 'big four' supermarket multiples on range and price in a market that was becoming ever more competitive. It decided to concentrate on smaller stores which were in local communities rather than large out-of-town superstores which was also more compatible with the values and principles of co-operation and returned to the very roots of the movement.

It began to market the ethical stance it took and the co-operative difference. It has been a long supporter of Fairtrade and ethical sourcing. An example is the iconic Co-op "99" brand tea [2], that has now joined all the other own brand hot beverages in becoming Fairtrade.

In addition all Co-operative own-brand health, beauty and household products are marked with an "approved by BUAV" rabbit symbol to show that neither the product nor its ingredients have been tested on animals. [14][15] Some of the products carrying this symbol include: hair shampoo, baby lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, fabric conditioner and washing-up liquid.

[edit] Distribution

The Co-operative Tilehurst, run by the Co-operative Group.

Co-operative Retail Logistics is the distribution business of the Co-operative Group. Distribution centres are located at Alfreton, Birtley, Blaydon, Bradford, Carrickfergus, Chelston (near Taunton), Coventry (NDC - used for deliveries of slower selling lines nationwide via the other RDCs listed), Cumbernauld, Eccleshall, Fareham (including satellite chilled distribution centre at Southampton), Halesowen, Harthill, Nottingham, Ossett, Peterborough, Portbury, Thetford, Plymouth and West Thurrock. Barnsley RDC was closed in April 2007.

[edit] Travel

The society operates the UK's largest independent travel agency with over 450 branches. The division is currently rebranding to the new co-operative brand from its existing trading names, 'Travelcare' and 'Co-op Travel'. The business also has direct sales channels through telephone and, increasingly, the internet.

[edit] Funerals

The Co-operative Funeralcare is the UK's largest funeral director with over 800 branches, many of which retain their private names whilst others operate under the co-operative brand.

[edit] Pharmacies

The Co-operative Pharmacy is now the third largest community pharmacy group in the UK with nearly 800 branches, and is keen to expand further. All branches are currently being converted to The Co-operative brand.

The Co-operative Pharmacy have a nationwide presence from the north of Scotland to the south of England, with pharmacies in Wales(the biggest single pharmacy chain in Wales) and Northern Ireland too.

[edit] Finance

Division Slogan "Good With Money"

For many years, the Society's two financial subsidiaries were separately managed. In 2002 they were brought together under an umbrella society, Co-operative Financial Services (or CFS), which is wholly owned by the Group. CFS is made up of the Co-operative Bank, including the internet bank Smile and the Co-operative Insurance Society and has over four and a half million customers.

[edit] Legal

The Co-operative Legal Services is a national legal services provider of legal experts dedicated to widening and easing public access to legal provision. Services cover the writing of Wills, probate, conveyancing, legal assistance with accidents and personal injuries and employment law. Free legal advice is provided with these services without obligation. The Society announced the formation of this new division, The Co-operative Legal Services, in April 2006 to be based in Bristol. [16]

[edit] Farming

The Society manages over 70,000 acres (280 km2) of land across the UK under the The Co-operative Farms banner which are providing an ever increasing number of products, such as soft fruit, potatoes, flour and cider, to Co-operative food stores allowing the society to further differentiate itself from competitors. The Co-operative is the largest farmer in the UK.

[edit] Property

The Society maintains a property business that manages an investment and trading property portfolio.

[edit] Corporate clothing

The Society owns Mandate who make the staff uniforms for the Co-operative Group and other businesses. The business is to be rebranded The Co-operative Clothing. [17]

[edit] Motor retailing

Logo of the Sunwin dealerships

In 2005, the Society sold Priory Motor Group, a car retail business. Reg Vardy purchased the majority of the dealerships in the North East region.

Following its merger with United Co-op, the society once again operates car dealerships under the 'Sunwin Motors' brand. There are currently 20 dealerships in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the East Midlands. These consist of 6 different Manufacturer Franchises including Land Rover, Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Fiat, Mazda, Hyundai and formerly MG Rover

The Land Rover franchise is still trading as Farnells after Sunwin Motor Group purchased the Guiseley (Land Rover and MG Rover) and Bradford (Land Rover) dealerships from Albert Farnell Ltd. Although every now and then offers and its main website is branded as Sunwin.

Sunwin acquired Motor Dealerships in Derby, Nottingham, Mansfield, Ilkeston and Loughborough from Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group in 2004 for an undisclosed sum.

Sunwin's Renault Dealerships are in Bradford, Blackpool, Preston, Keighley, Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield, although they do have a Renault Minute Service Centre in Ilkeston. Nissan Dealerships are in Ilkeston, Nottingham, Derby and Keighley. Peugeot Dealerships are situated in Ilkeston and Keighley (Sunwin did previously also have Peugeot Halifax, although this was recently sold to Dews Motor Group). Sunwin owns 3 Mazda Franchises in Loughborough,Derby and Guiseley (formerly MG Rover). Sunwin has just 1 Fiat dealership and 1 Hyundai site in Derby.

Of all the Sunwin Sites, Derby site is the largest with 5 franchises (Renault, Nissan, Fiat, Mazda, Hyundai and an Any Make Any Model service centre.)

Sunwin Motor Group also now has just 1 Renault Business Centres in Bradford which look after various types of small businesses and large fleets, including accounts with major funders as well as supplying vehicles into the Co-operative Group. [18]

[edit] Former businesses

The old Co-operative warehouse behind the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne.

[edit] Engineering

Syncro was the rebranded engineering and building services business of the Co-operative Group, based in Salford. Syncro was sold in 2006.

[edit] ACC

Associated Co-operative Creameries was the Group's large milk processing and distribution division. ACC also handled logistics of the retail business but this responsibility was given to a new department, Co-operative Retail Logistics, prior to sale. The division was sold to Dairy Farmers of Britain, a farmers co-operative, on 10 August 2004.

[edit] Non-food retail

The Group decided to withdraw from the department store business following many years of increasing losses, with several of the stores being acquired by the Anglia Regional Co-operative Society, and the remainder being closed. Many of the shops had been in poor locations and had suffered from years of under-investment. Initially, two stores were to be retained in Perth and Tunbridge Wells as a trial of a new style of department store but it was decided to close these in 2006.

However, the Group continues to operate a growing internet business retailing electrical goods and designer beds, as well as providing electrical buying, warehousing and distribution services to the wider co-operative movement, as many of the independent societies continue to operate in non-food retailing.

[edit] Footwear

Shoefayre was established in 1959, initially known as Society Shoes. For many years it was co-owned by several co-operative societies but eventually became wholly owned and managed by the Co-operative Group. In 2006, it reported operating losses of £6 million and in 2007 was sold to rival shoe retailer shoe Zone. [19]

[edit] Dividend

Membership scheme logo

The idea of co-operative trading revolutionized food retailing with the dividend, often known as "divi", and the "divi number" becoming an integral part of British life. The way in which co-operative retail societies are run for the benefit, and on behalf, of their members is something which sets them apart from their modern-day competitors. The dividend, conveying a financial reward to members for trading with a society based on a member's level of trade with the society, and thereby distributing profits on the basis of turnover not capital invested, is a fundamental difference between a co-operative and enterprises that distribute profits in proportion to capital invested, that is most private sector enterprise.

Historically, members' sales would be recorded in ledgers in society's stores and at the end of the collection period a proportional payment would be made back to the member. As societies grew, and with it the number of members, the method of using ledgers became cumbersome. As a solution, some societies, including Co-operative Retail Services, started to issue stamps to members for qualifying transactions. Members would collect the stamps on a savings card and, when the card was complete, would use it as payment for goods or deposit into their share account.

By the late twentieth century the Co-operative Group's precursors and then the Co-operative Group were no longer paying true dividend (it had become a drain on limited resources), although several independent societies (such as Anglia Regional) continued to do so. In the late 1990s a loyalty card scheme, in the style of the Tesco Clubcard, was introduced which used the Dividend brand. Ironically these loyalty cards aped the original co-operative dividend but were little more than marketing exercises as well as a way to gather useful customer information. Co-op customers (not just members) could sign up and receive a swipe card to record their purchases with vouchers being sent out twice a year which could be exchanged for cash or goods.

However, in September 2006 the Co-operative Group relaunched “true” dividend whereby a proportion of the profits of the Co-operative Group are returned to members. To emphasise the change, the scheme is now called The Co-operative Membership and members earn a “share of the profits.” New members are recruited by allowing them to deduct the refundable subscription for a £1 share from their first dividend. Improvements have been made so that members can earn their share of the profits throughout the family of businesses including the food stores, Co-operative Bank, CIS, travel, pharmacy and funeral branches. In 2008, the dividend almost doubled to £38 million, equivalent to 2.63p per point (one point being earned for each £1 food purchase), reflecting an 8% increase in underlying profit.[20]

Society membership increased sharply in the first year after the relaunch, to 2.5 million with many more younger people being attracted to join who have an affinity with the co-operative values and principles.[2][21][22]

In 2007, the Oxford based Midcounties Co-operative joined the Group's membership scheme allowing its members to earn dividend at Co-operative Group stores and vice versa. It was also the first independent co-operative to adopt the new Co-operative branding. In March 2008, Plymouth & South West Co-operative Society also joined the scheme under the same arrangement[citation needed], followed by Anglia Regional Co-operative Society in September 2008. In 2009, Southern Co-operatives started trialling a similar scheme.

[edit] Co-operative practices

The Co-operative Wholesale Society's building in Manchester.

As a co-operative, the Group places importance on ethical and transparent trading and reporting, and democratic accountability and participation. Retail trading areas are overseen by 15-member Area Committees which have annual elections and meetings for all members. These elect members onto regional boards, which also meet annually to report to all members in the region. A national board includes directors elected from regional boards, plus representatives of other societies, the corporate members. Individual stores may have member forums also. Unlike a pure consumer co-operative, voting rights are shared between the corporate members and the individual consumer members, as described in an annual report:

Voting for corporate members is in proportion to trade with the Society. Each individual member has one vote in the appropriate region of the Society and each region has voting rights calculated on the same basis as a corporate member.[23]

As the UK's largest co-operative, the Group plays a key part in the co-operative movement. It is also a major sponsor of new co-operative ventures, local initiatives through Co-operative Action and Fairtrade promotion.

[edit] Funding for the Labour Party

The Co-operative Group is the biggest subscriber to Co-operatives UK and the Co-operative Party, which fields MP candidates jointly with the Labour Party. Members elect representatives on to local Party units.

[edit] List of corporate members

See also: British co-operative movement#Consumer and food

As of 2008, twenty-six independent consumer co-operatives are corporate members, in other words customer owners, of the Group. They invested share capital to found or join the Group's wholesaler predecessors, such as the North of England Co-operative Wholesale Industrial and Provident Society and the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society. As noted above, these co-operatives are represented alongside the regional boards at annual meetings and in the board of directors, and are entitled to dividends based on the amount of their purchases from the Group.

Society Website Founded Members Activities

(number of outlets)
Allendale Food retail (1)
Anglia Regional arcs.co.uk 1876[24] 216,102 Food retail (29), Funerals (22), Travel (11), Non-food retailing (35), Petol retailing (11), Opticians (3)
Chelmsford Star chelmsfordstar.coop 1867 52,937[25] Food (28), Non-food (2), Travel (3), Funerals (6)
Channel Islands ci-cooperative.com 1919 Food (16), Non food (3: two 'Homemaker' stores and one 'Totalsport' store), Travel (2)
Clydebank 1881 Food (6), Non-food, Funerals, Post Offices
Coniston conistonco-op.co.uk 1896 Food (1)
East of England eastofengland.coop 1858[26] ≈350,000 Food (133), Non-food (14), Travel (12), Funeral (30), Pharmacy (8), Optician (3), Motors (3), Jewellery (2), Education Centre (1)
Grosmont (North Yorkshire)[27][28] 1867[29] Food (1)
Heart of England heartofengland.coop 1832[30] 179,657[31] Food (33), Non-food (21), Funeral (9), Travel (3), Post Offices (4)
Hawkshead[32] 1881[33] Food (1)
Highburton 1856 Food (1)
Langdale[34][35] http://web.archive.org/web//
http://www.langdaleco-op.co.uk/ [36]		 Food (1)
Lincolnshire lincolnshire.coop 1861[37] ▲149,247 (2007) Food (69), Bakery (majority-owned), Pharmacies (29),[38] Coffee shops (6),[39] Non-food (4),[40] Post offices (41),[41] Travel (9),[42] Funeral (9),[43] Motors (2), Filling stations (11), Cash registers
Midcounties midcounties.coop Food (147) Funerals (69) Travel (41) Pharmacies (44) Motors (12) Nurseries (6)
Midlands midlandsco-op.com Food (160)
Moulton Food (1)
Penrith penrithco-op.co.uk Food (10), Non-Food (1)
Plymouth and South West psw.coop Food (68), Non-Food (6)
Radstock 1867 Food (7) Non Food (1)
Scotmid scotmid.coop Food (129)
Seaton Valley Food (1)
Shepley Food (1)
Southern southern.coop Food (108)
Tamworth tamworth.coop Food (14)
Wooldale wooldale.coop Food (3)

[edit] Awards

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Press release: Co-operative Membership". The Co-operative Group. http://www.altogetherdifferent.com/. 
  2. ^ a b c "Press release: Merger delivers strong profit growth, preliminary results". The Co-operative Group. 2008-04-17. http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/press/news/Merger-delivers-strong-profit-growth-for-The-Co-operative-Group/. Retrieved on 2008-06-30. 
  3. ^ Top UK co-ops agree merger terms BBC News, 17 February 2007 03:29 GMT
  4. ^ http://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/SocietyDetails.aspx?Number=525&Suffix=R
  5. ^ "About Us". Co-operative Retail Trading Group. 2007. http://www.crtg.coop/index.cfm/item_id:3/about_CRTG/. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 
  6. ^ Boards of the Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives (2007-02-16). Co-op boards back merger plan. Press release. http://www.co-op.co.uk/corporate/news_article.php?news_ID=378. Retrieved on 2007-02-17. 
  7. ^ "Mutuals Public Register, Nith Valley Co-operative Society Limited, number 2325RS". Financial Services Authority. http://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/SocietyDetails.aspx?Number=2325&Suffix=RS. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.  (as of 2008)
  8. ^ BBC NEWS | Business | Co-op buys Somerfield for £1.57bn
  9. ^ "Co-op Group bids to buy Somerfield chain". Co-operative News. 2008-04-17. http://www.thenews.coop/index.php?content=story&id=1291. "The Co-operative Group has confirmed for the first time that is trying to buy the Somerfield chain of food stores in a deal worth at least £1.5 billion." 
  10. ^ BBC NEWS | Business | Co-op buys Somerfield for £1.57bn
  11. ^ "Co-operative Group buys 10 c-stores from Sainsbury's". Talking Retail (Nexus Business Media). 2008-03-28. http://www.talkingretail.com/news/9170/e.ehtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  12. ^ "Transfer announcement". Lothian Co-op. http://www.lothianco-op.co.uk/. Retrieved on 21 February 2009. 
  13. ^ Members' payout 2008
  14. ^ the Co-operative Group (2005-10-27). Did you know the Co-op is the only supermarket with BUAV accredited own-label ranges?. Press release. http://www.co-op.co.uk/corporate/news_article.php?news_ID=359. Retrieved on 2007-02-18. 
  15. ^ "Co-op's cruelty-free stance sets standard". Decision News Media SAS. 2004-07-05. http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/news/ng.asp?id=53311-co-op-s. Retrieved on 2007-02-18. 
  16. ^ "'Co-operative Legal Services venture launched'". Money News. 2006-04-21. http://www.moneynews.co.uk/1861/co-operative-legal-services-venture-launched/. Retrieved on 2007-02-18. 
  17. ^ Mandate Clothing - Suppliers to the trade for professionals, by professionals
  18. ^ The Co-operative - Good for everyone Our businesses
  19. ^ Atherton, Jayne (2007-09-11), "Business Bites", Metro: 41 
  20. ^ "Bumper double dividend of pounds 38m for members of Co-operative Group". Birmingham Post: p. 21. 2008-06-27. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2003&res_dat=xri:pqil:res_ver=0.2&res_id=xri:newsuk&rft_id=xri:newsuk:newsart:1501610241. Retrieved on 2008-06-29. 
  21. ^ "Press release: Co-operative Membership smashes three million barrier". The Co-operative Group. 2008-08-05. http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/press/news/Co-operative-Membership-smashes-three-million-barrier/. Retrieved on 2008-08-09. 
  22. ^ "Co-operative Group sees surge in younger members". Talking Retail (Nexus Business Media). 2007-11-05. http://www.talkingretail.com/news/7297/Co-operative-Group-sees-surge-.ehtml. Retrieved on 2008-06-30. 
  23. ^ "Annual Report 2007" (PDF). The Co-operative Group. 113 note 31. http://www.co-operative.coop/Corporate/PDFs/Annual_Report_2007.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-06-30. 
  24. ^ As Peterborough and District
  25. ^ (PDF) Annual Report and Financial Statements, Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, 2007-01-27, pp. 5, http://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/common/pdf/Star07R&A.pdf, retrieved on 2008-01-11 
  26. ^ As Norwich Co-operative Society
  27. ^ "Grosmont". Co-op Online Directory. Co-operatives UK. http://www.cooponline.coop/cgi-bin/external/locator.cgi?page=further&OfflineID=5818&category=Co-op+Societies&postcode=grosmont. Retrieved on 2008-08-12. 
  28. ^ "Grosmont Co-operative Society Limited". uk.coop. Synergy arm of Co-operatives UK. http://www.uk.coop/OrganisationDisplayDetails.aspx?OrgID=C0C2F61A-6F2A-4ACF-AD6F-2628838BE94C. Retrieved on 2008-08-23. 
  29. ^ "Grosmont Co-operative Society Limited, number 992R". Mutuals Public Register. FSA. http://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/SocietyDetails.aspx?Number=992&Suffix=R. Retrieved on 2008-08-12. 
  30. ^ As Lockhurst Lane Industrial Co-operative Society
  31. ^ (PDF) Annual Report and Financial Statements, Heart of England Co-operative Society, 2007-01-20, pp. 8, http://www.21stcentury.coop/pdf/report07_Pt2.pdf, retrieved on 2008-01-11 
  32. ^ "Hawkshead & District Co-op Society Limited". http://www.cooponline.coop/cgi-bin/external/locator.cgi?page=further&OfflineID=5820&category=Co-op+Societies&postcode=langdale. Retrieved on 2008-08-12. 
  33. ^ "Hawkshead and District Co-operative Society Limited, number 2242R". Mutuals Public Register. FSA. http://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/SocietyDetails.aspx?Number=2242&Suffix=R. Retrieved on 2008-08-12. 
  34. ^ "Langdale and Neighbourhood Industrial Co-operative Society Limited". uk.coop. Synergy arm of Co-operatives UK. http://www.uk.coop/OrganisationDisplayDetails.aspx?OrgID=39207241-38F7-416F-91DC-5D65F32EE0B3. Retrieved on 2008-08-23. 
  35. ^ "Langdale & Neighbourhood Industrial Co-op Society". Shop directory. Village Retail Services Association. http://www.virsa.org/index.cfm/villageshop/Directory.Details/shop_id/176. Retrieved on 2008-08-23. 
  36. ^ Website not accessible August 23, 2008. See http://www.langdaleco-op.co.uk at the Internet Archive (Latest Internet Archive version is October 2006 [1])
  37. ^ "History: 1864". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/content.asp?PageID=81&ParentCatID=&SubCatID=32. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  38. ^ "Lincoln Co-operative Chemists Ltd Publication Scheme" (PDF). Lincolnshire Co-operative. 3. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/downloads/FreedomOfInformation.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  39. ^ "Coffee Shop". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/content.asp?PageID=39&SubCatID=13. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  40. ^ "Home". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/content.asp?PageID=30. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  41. ^ "Post Office". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/content.asp?PageID=38. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  42. ^ "The co-operative travel". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/Content.asp?PageID=48&SubCatID=37. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  43. ^ "Funeral Arrangements: Our Funeral Homes". Lincolnshire Co-operative. http://www.lincolnshire.coop/content.asp?PageID=151&SubCatID=65. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  44. ^ "2002 Shell Worldaware Business Award". Worldaware. http://www.worldaware.org.uk/awards/awards2002/coop.html. Retrieved on 2007-02-18. 
  45. ^ "Winners 2007". Queen's Awards for Enterprise. http://www.queensawards.org.uk/business/Winners/2007.html#sustainabledevelopment. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 
v • d • e
Consumer co-operatives of the UK
v • d • e
The Co-operative Group
Businesses
People
Peter Marks (Chief Executive) · Len Wardle (Chair)
Annual revenue ▲ £8.3 billion (2007) · Employees 85,000 · Website www.co-operative.coop/ The Co-operative Group
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